Push for permanent ban on super trawlers

Environmentalists and a fishing group in Tasmania have joined forces to lobby politicians of all persuasions for a permanent ban on super trawlers in Australian waters.

It comes as the Federal Court considers an appeal against the Federal Government's decision to ban Seafish Tasmania from using a super trawler for two years.

Environment Tasmania and the Tuna Club have expressed concerned about the future of the temporary ban if the Coalition wins next month's election.

Rebecca Hubbard of Environment Tasmania says the groups believe the ban should be permanent.

"Any day a decision may be handed down and that ban may be dropped so we may see super trawlers back in Australia," she said.

"The other reason why we're extremely concerned is that both major parties have not made it clear that they will not allow super trawlers into Australian fisheries."

The Tuna Club's Nobby Clarke says research into the impact of the big ships is inadequate.

"Ultimately we believe that there was a drastic lack of science in the fishery to suggest the current stock status and that was probably ultimately our number one issue fighting this campaign," said Mr Clarke.

The Federal Government says legislation amended in 2012 ensures Australia's environment is adequately protected from the risks associated with super trawlers.

Tasmanian Independent, Andrew Wilkie, agrees, saying both the major parties should commit to a permanent ban.

Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson says super trawlers should not be allowed in Australian waters until science proves otherwise.

"We believe that the onus of proof for new fishing methods should be reversed and super trawlers should be banned from our waters until localised depletion issues and bi-catch concerns are scientifically addressed," he said.

The Coalition says it would continue developing management strategies for fisheries based on sound science and broad consultation.